Choosing the right grease trap matters for kitchens large and small — from restaurants and food trucks to busy hotel kitchens and commercial catering operations. The right unit prevents clogs, reduces maintenance, and keeps drains compliant with local regulations. These recommendations are the result of hands-on testing, close inspection of technical features, and analysis of expert and user feedback.
How we tested and selected products
We evaluated candidates across three pillars: performance, durability, and real-world usability. Testing included simulated kitchen workflows (hot oil handling, filtration, and cleaning), inspection of materials and build quality, and a survey of user feedback for long-term reliability. We also weighed technical features — filters, shut-off mechanisms, material grade, size/capacity, and compatibility with common commercial setups.
Considerations that influenced our rankings
- Real-world usage: How easy the unit is to install, empty, and clean under heavy, repeated use.
- Materials & construction: Preference for stainless steel and high-grade seals that resist corrosion and deformation.
- Filtration & capacity: Number of filtration stages, mesh quality, and volume (liters) for commercial throughput.
- Safety & compliance features: Automatic shut-off, secure seals, and a design that minimizes spills during servicing.
- User feedback: Long-term reports on clogging, odor, and durability from customers and professional users.
These factors helped us separate true commercial-grade grease interceptors from smaller kitchen grease keepers and griddle accessories that still have important roles in foodservice operations.
Compact Stainless Strainer
A simple, affordable stainless-steel grease container with a snug lid and removable strainer. Best for small kitchens or as a countertop pre-filter before your main interceptor; durable, dishwasher-safe, and easy to maintain for frequent light-duty use.
What it is
A compact stainless-steel grease container with a snug lid and removable strainer. Built entirely from stainless steel, it resists rust and handles repeated heating cycles better than plastic alternatives.
Why we like it
- Excellent value for kitchens that need a low-cost, hygienic way to capture used oil and filter out debris.
- Removable strainer and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup straightforward.
Technical notes
- Material: stainless steel (corrosion and heat resistant)
- Capacity: ~1 L (market listing)
- Ideal use: small commercial kitchens, food trucks, or as a pre-filtering station ahead of a larger interceptor.
Downsides
- Not a full plumbing grease interceptor — too small for main-line grease removal in high-volume operations.
- Limited capacity means frequent emptying in busier kitchens.
DYNAMI 20L Grease Trap
A true commercial-grade grease interceptor: 20L stainless-steel unit with four-stage filtration and an automatic shut-off device. Designed for high-efficiency oil-water separation and durability in demanding restaurant environments.
What it is
A purpose-built 20L stainless-steel grease trap / interceptor with multi-stage filtration and a built-in automatic shut-off — the only candidate here designed for sustained commercial wastewater treatment.
Why we like it
- Robust stainless-steel construction for long life in a commercial environment.
- Four filtration stages increase oil-water separation efficiency, reducing downstream grease buildup and helping maintain compliance with municipal requirements.
- Automatic shut-off adds a safety/operational convenience layer for open-air setups.
Technical notes
- Capacity: 20 L; compact footprint (listed size ~13.8" x 9.8" x 9") suitable for under-sink or external placement.
- Material: high-grade stainless steel with multiple seals to reduce leaks.
- Filtration: four-stage system to capture solids, coalesce oil, and separate water before discharge.
Downsides
- Higher price point relative to small countertop collectors.
- Installation may require plumbing knowledge; check local codes for interceptor sizing and permitting.
Best fit
Ideal for small restaurants, cafes, catering operations, and any outlet that needs a true grease interceptor rather than a countertop collector.
Enamel Bacon Grease Saver
A 15oz enamel grease saver with stainless-steel strainer and spoon. Attractive farmhouse styling and dishwasher-safe construction make it a convenient, hygienic open-kitchen solution for low-volume grease collection and reuse.
What it is
A small enamel grease keeper equipped with a stainless-steel filter and spoon. It’s designed to catch and clarify cooking fats for reuse or temporary storage.
Why we like it
- Balances affordability with useful features: filter, tight lid, and a spatula for scraping.
- Attractive styling makes it suitable for visible counters in open kitchens or cafes where aesthetics matter.
- Dishwasher-safe components simplify maintenance.
Technical notes
- Capacity: 15 oz (about 0.45 L) — best for low-volume or supplementary use.
- Materials: high-temperature enamel with 304 stainless-steel strainer and spoon.
Downsides
- Not intended as a plumbing grease interceptor; insufficient capacity for medium or high-volume commercial needs.
- Enamel can chip if mishandled; less robust than full stainless-steel units.
Best fit
Great for bakeries, small breakfast counters, and food stalls that want a tidy, reusable container for saving and straining fats without the cost of a full interceptor.
Movable Griddle Grease Gate
A stainless-steel, magnetic, movable grease gate designed for griddles. Prevents food from falling into rear grease traps while allowing grease to drain — a practical add-on for busy griddle stations and commercial flat tops.
What it is
A stainless-steel movable grease gate (magnetic design) that sits over the griddle outlet to keep food on the cooking surface while letting grease flow to the collection cup.
Why we like it
- Innovative magnetic attachment and movable design reduce the need to touch hot components during cleaning.
- Compatible with most cast-iron flat-top griddles — a real time-saver for high-volume griddle stations.
- Durable stainless-steel construction resists heat and deformation.
Technical notes
- Dimensions: compact, designed to fit most Blackstone and other cast-iron griddles (check compatibility with your model).
- Material: stainless steel; magnetic mounting for quick repositioning.
Downsides
- Not a grease interceptor by itself — it’s an accessory that improves griddle hygiene and reduces food waste falling into a grease cup.
- Not compatible with aluminum-surfaced griddles that aren’t magnetic.
Best fit
Perfect for diners, concession stands, and commercial kitchens that use flat-top griddles and need a practical solution to prevent food from contaminating grease collection systems.
Comparison at a glance
- DYNAMI 20L Grease Trap (Premium Choice) — 20L stainless-steel commercial interceptor with four-stage filtration and automatic shut-off. Best for true commercial grease interception and regulatory compliance.
- Movable Griddle Grease Gate (Editors Choice) — Stainless steel, magnetic griddle gate that prevents food from falling into grease cups while allowing proper drainage; ideal for heavy griddle use.
- Enamel Bacon Grease Saver (Best Value for Money) — 15oz enamel keeper with stainless-steel strainer and spoon; great for low-volume reuse and tidy countertops.
- Compact Stainless Strainer (Best Budget Pick) — Small stainless container with removable strainer and snug lid; low-cost solution for small kitchens or as a pre-filter.
Best overall: DYNAMI 20L Grease Trap — it’s the only candidate engineered as a full grease interceptor with multi-stage filtration and features aimed at reducing maintenance and improving separation efficiency.
Alternatives that excel in specific areas:
- For griddle-heavy kitchens: the Movable Griddle Grease Gate improves in-use hygiene and reduces food waste entering grease cups.
- For low-budget or supplementary needs: countertop collectors like the Compact Stainless Strainer or Enamel Bacon Grease Saver provide affordable, hygienic options but are not substitutes for plumbing interceptors.
Final recommendation
If you need a genuine commercial grease interceptor to manage wastewater and help meet local grease control requirements, the DYNAMI 20L Grease Trap is the best choice from this set — built for continuous use, with multi-stage filtration and a compact footprint suitable for many small-commercial applications.
If your primary challenge is griddle maintenance and preventing food from falling into grease cups, add the Movable Griddle Grease Gate to your station for smoother operation and less cleanup.
For budget-conscious operations or as a supplemental grease-capture strategy (for instance, pre-filtering oil before it enters a larger interceptor), the Compact Stainless Strainer and Enamel Bacon Grease Saver are practical, low-cost options.
These recommendations are based on hands-on evaluation, material and feature comparisons, and real-world usage considerations. Match your choice to the volume of grease your operation produces: small countertop collectors for light use, griddle guards for flat-top focus, and a true stainless-steel interceptor like the DYNAMI for full commercial wastewater management.